Gary Sanchez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #2 prospect in 2016
  Signed for $3 million in 2009, Sanchez had his best year in 2015. His talent has been evident; his attitude had held him back. He'd been criticized for fluctuating effort and earned in-house suspensions for off-field infractions. In 2015, he turned a corner and finished the season in New York. Sanchez profiles as a front-line catcher with an extremely strong arm producing 1.8-second pop times and plenty of raw power. He's spent years refining his receiving and blocking, and in 2015 cut his passed balls to just two from 10 in 2014. He performed well offensively as he started using the while field more, and scouts noted he played with more energy. He still has some polish to add as a receiver and could stand to be a little more selective at the plate, but he's come a long way in the last 12 months. Sanchez's strong play in the Arizona Fall League helped prompt more confidence, and the Yankees dealt incumbent backup John Ryan Murphy to the Twins. That opens the door for Sanchez to earn that spot in 2016. He's not likely to unseat Brian McCann for the starter's job in 2016, but if McCann should go down with an injury, the Yankees would be comfortable giving Sanchez the lion's share of the playing time in his stead.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #5 prospect in 2015
  Signed for $3 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2009, Sanchez tore through the low minors over his first four professional seasons and established himself as not only one of the best minors' best catchers, but one of the best overall prospects in the game. He's still a key member of the Yankees' farm, but middling production and repeated disciplinary issues have chipped away some of his sheen. If everything clicks, he's a frontline catcher with the potential for a .280 average and 20-25 home runs annually. His throwing arm remains an impressive tool as well, one that ranks between 70-80 on the scouting scale, and he threw out 39 percent of basestealers. But the warts are still there, too. He's still working to become more adept as a receiver and a blocker--he led the Eastern League with 17 errors and 10 passed balls--and some scouts felt he struggled to establish a proper rapport with his staff. He also was benched for five games for issues away from the field. Sanchez is ready to be tested at Triple-A and move toward the precipice of helping the big club if he can prove he's reliable.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #1 prospect in 2014
  Sanchez either is the last member of the Yankees' wave of catching prospects, or the beginning of their next wave. Jesus Montero got a taste of the Bronx before being spun to the Mariners for Michael Pineda. Austin Romine has struggled through back problems and concussions, and his progress has stalled. Homegrown products Francisco Cervelli and J.R. Murphy also saw time behind the plate in New York in 2013, but the Yankees have yet to develop a replacement for Jorge Posada, whose final year as the club's regular catcher was 2010. Sanchez signed in 2009 for a $3 million bonus, large even by Yankees standards, and sported a career .286/.350/.496 batting line with 43 home runs entering 2013, but questions about his conditioning and maturity lingered. His attitude was problematic enough to earn an internal suspension while at low Class A Charleston in 2011. By all accounts, those problems dissipated by 2013, which ended with Sanchez beneath a raucous dogpile while he and his teammates with Double-A Trenton celebrated an Eastern League championship. Sanchez's bat still rates as the best in the system by a long shot, thanks to effortless, well above-average raw power and an above-average hit tool. Scouts see his floor as being a .260-.270 hitter with at least 20 home runs annually, which would be all-star-caliber production for a catcher. Sanchez can shoot line drives to all fields and has sock to the opposite field as well. His defense has gotten better and he's quieter behind the plate. He still needs to work on blocking balls, specifically when it comes to pitches in the dirt to his right or left, when he tends to try to use his hands to pick the ball rather than blocking with his getting his body in front of it. He led the Florida State League with 11 passed balls during his time at high Class A Tampa. Sanchez's arm has been rated as high as an 80 by some scouts, and he led the FSL by throwing out 46 percent of basestealers. He spent the season in better shape and had a better attitude than in the past, and scouts noticed. Sanchez took charge behind the plate and was handling staffs with much more authority than in years past. The Yankees threw a roadblock into Sanchez's path by signing free agent Brian McCann for five years and $80 million. While McCann could mix in time at DH and first base--where Mark Teixeira is signed through 2016--it's difficult to imagine a full-time spot for Sanchez in New York in the near future. For now, he's ticketed for a return trip to Double-A for 2014, and he gives the Yankees a key trade chip at a premium position.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #3 prospect in 2013
  Signed for $3 million, Sanchez hit 18 home runs in 2012 and earned a spot on Baseball America's minor league all-star first team. Sanchez has well above-average raw power as well as a fundamentally sound swing, and he improved his two-strike approach late in the season. With plus-plus raw arm strength to go with solid athleticism and receiving skills, Sanchez has the tools to remain a catcher. He's an erratic defender prone to lapses in receiving, but he made progress in 2012 while throwing out 30 percent of basestealers. As his English improves, he'll be able to take charge more behind the plate. He also needs more experience calling his own pitches. Though he's a below-average runner, he stole 15 bases in 19 attempts in 2012. He played harder and showed none of the lapses in judgment that prompted a two-week suspension in May 2011. Sanchez will return to high Class A to start 2013 and has a clear path to the Bronx if he continues to make progress.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #4 prospect in 2012
  Signed for $3 million, Sanchez ranked as the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League's No. 1 prospect in a banner 2010 pro debut, then led low Class A Charleston with 17 homers in 82 games in 2011. He was suspended for two weeks in late May for insubordination and missed the final three weeks of the season with a sprained left thumb. Sanchez has a purer swing and more patience at the plate than Jesus Montero, to whom he's often compared. Sanchez has similar raw power, too, and scouts project him as a plus hitter in terms of both average and pop. He's willing to go deep into counts looking for a pitch to drive, which can lead to strikeouts. He struggles to handle breaking balls offensively and defensively, and some scouts reported that he stopped calling for them behind the plate. Sanchez led the South Atlantic League with 26 passed balls in just 60 games, and some scouts believe he's a lost cause as a receiver. He does have plus arm strength and threw out 31 percent of basestealers. He's a well below-average runner, like many catchers. A combination of money, immaturity and hype didn't help Sanchez, but he was one of the SAL's youngest players. He'll probably return to Charleston in 2012. If he doesn't improve defensively, he'll have to hit like Montero to remain a catcher long-term.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #2 prospect in 2011
  The Yankees gave Sanchez the largest bonus they've ever given to a teenager, $3 million at the start of international signing period in July 2009. He backed up his scouting reports in his 2010 pro debut, homering three times in his first seven games and ranking as the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Sanchez has a higher ceiling than anyone in the organization, including Jesus Montero. Outside of his below-average speed, he has above-average tools across the board. He already has plus raw power and should add more as he adds mature strength to his youthful but solid frame. He has a good swing path and the bat speed to catch up to good fastballs, as well as a sound approach for a teenager. His offensive game requires polish that will come with at-bats, but he has no significant holes. He flashes the lateral movement, soft hands and strong arm to be a plus defender, though he's not consistent yet. He threw out 26 percent of basestealers in his debut. Sanchez's biggest issue is maintaining his motivation in the midst of $3 million and plenty of accolades. He'll have to keep working hard to reach his potential, and he'll move up to low Class A Charleston in 2011.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #7 prospect in 2010
  Sanchez was one of the top players available on the international market last summer, and the Yankees scouted him so extensively that they were widely believed to be the frontrunners to sign him. They landed him in July for $3 million, the fourth-largest bonus in franchise history. It's the third-largest for a Dominican teen after Michael Ynoa ($4.25 million from the Athletics in 2008) and Miguel Sano ($3.15 million from the Twins in 2009). Sanchez's raw power rates at least a 60 on the 20-80 scouting scale. New York is confident he'll realize that power potential because he uses the whole field and recognizes breaking balls, two indications that he'll make consistent contact. He has a plus-plus arm with the athletic ability to remain a catcher. Just 17, Sanchez has plenty of work to do to clean up his receiving skills and he'll need to get used to catching velocity. He was overmatched at the plate in instructional league by older pitchers, but that's to be expected. He didn't significantly alter his approach, an encouraging sign. He has average speed now but projects as a below-average runner once he fills out and catching takes a toll on him. Sanchez has some similarities to Jesus Montero, with better defensive tools as a bonus. He also obviously has a long way to go. He'll likely start his career in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in June.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked International League #3 prospect in 2016
  Sanchez hit .282 with plenty of power at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, but he transformed into Barry Bonds in August when the Yankees summoned him to the majors. Before Sanchez became a key cog in New York, he performed on both sides of the ball in his first full season in the IL after getting a taste of Triple-A last year. Sanchez stood out for his plus raw power even before mashing 11 home runs for the Yankees in August. He offers more at the plate than just raw power, however. He can use the whole field to hit, and he cut his strikeout rate this year. Defensively, Sanchez has top-of-the-scale arm strength and developed into a solid receiver. He still has room for improvement, but he has already forced his way into the starting lineup in the Bronx, a spot he is unlikely to give up anytime soon
• 
  Ranked International League #18 prospect in 2015
  Sanchez took a big step toward delivering on the promise the Yankees saw when they signed him as a 16-year-old for $3 million. He made his big league debut in September after matching a career-high with 18 home runs between Double-A Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and, more importantly, making strides behind the plate. Observers noted Sanchez appeared more mature off the field--he recently got married and had a child--and on it. For example, he was in noticeably better shape this season. Raw power has long been Sanchez's calling card, and he did a better job of tapping into it this season with improved plate discipline. He's still primarily a pull hitter who takes a big hack, but he did show more ability to drive a pitch the opposite way to right-center field. He has double-plus arm strength behind the plate, and though he worked hard at improving his receiving, it remains the biggest hurdle for him to clear at catcher. He still misses on some of the finer points of the position, like framing pitches and blocking balls in the dirt, but he did a better job of running a pitching staff.
• 
  Ranked Eastern League #11 prospect in 2014
  Dethroned by Luis Severino as the Yankees' top prospect this season, Sanchez still is oozing with potential. However, many evaluators wonder about how bad he wants to be good. Questions have popped up again this year about his attitude, which ultimately earned him a five-game benching at midseason. On the field, Sanchez still draws raves for his bat, which shows the potential for both a high average and lots of power. He can get his hands in and turn on the inside pitch with power, but evaluators did note that he struggled with both breaking pitches and changeups this season, which isn't surprising for a 21-year-old at Double-A. Sanchez possesses a top-shelf arm behind the plate, but he still is stiff and can get lazy when it comes to receiving, blocking and working with pitchers. Some scouts noticed in particular a disconnect when it came to working with older members of the staff. He led EL catchers in both passed balls (10) and errors (17) but also finished second in the league by throwing out 39 percent of basestealers.
• 
  Ranked Florida State League #7 prospect in 2013
  Part of the same ballyhooed international signing class as Miguel Sano, Sanchez received a $3 million bonus and has since emerged as the Yankees? top prospect. He finished a solid season by earning a promotion to Double-A Trenton, catching every game as the Thunder won the Eastern League championship. Sanchez?s best tools are his plus-plus raw power and his throwing arm, which rates at least as a 70 and helped him throw out an FSL-high 46 percent of basestealers. His blocking and receiving remain suspect, however, as he tied for the league lead with 11 passed balls. He still needs reps and polish as a receiver to be average, but he?s getting there, with a bat that should produce .260 averages and 20-25 homers annually. ?He?s much more under control this year,? a scout with an American League organization said. ?He took catching more seriously this year, from game-calling to leading to blocking. He hits for power easily and will get better behind the plate.?
• 
  Ranked Florida State League #9 prospect in 2012
  Like his teammate Austin, Sanchez has the chance to hit for average and power. He has a quick bat and while his raw power stands our more than his pure hitting ability, he showed a more controlled swing as the season wore on. By doing so, he learned that he could balls over the fence without swinging from his heels. It's still uncertain whether he can make it as a catcher, but Sanchez improved as a receiver and played with more energy this year. He does have arm strength and can get the ball to second base in 1.9-2.0 seconds. He threw out 29 percent of basestealers and committed eight passed balls in 38 FSL games.
• 
  Ranked South Atlantic League #5 prospect in 2012
  Ranked 14th on this list a year ago, when his offensive upside was obvious but his defense and work ethic were lackluster, Sanchez returned to Charleston for the first three months of this season. He continued to show prodigious power with 32 extra-base hits and 56 RBIs in 68 games. Though he struck out in one-fourth of his at-bats, he does an outstanding job of barreling balls and using the entire field. "Quick swing, fast hands," Febles said. "You see the power he possesses and you say, 'You got to be kidding me.' " Scouts continue to wonder if Sanchez, a well below-average athlete, can be more than a DH at higher levels. While he has a strong arm, as evidenced by him throwing out 31 percent of SAL basestealers, his movements behind the plate leave much to be desired. He had 12 errors and 10 passed balls in 53 games behind the plate, and still seems disinterested at times in working to improve.
• 
  Ranked South Atlantic League #14 prospect in 2011
  A highly touted prospect who signed for $3 million and destroyed the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2010, Sanchez opened this season as the second-youngest player in the SAL and at times looked and acted his age. The Yankees sent him back to extended spring training in May as punishment for his suspect work ethic. His above-average power translated into more production when he returned after two weeks, as he hit 13 of his 17 homers in the final three months. Sanchez' bat speed and strength ranked among the best in the league, though his swing gets too long at times. He lacks speed and athleticism, and he committed a league-high 26 passed balls in just 60 games because he stabs at pitches instead of shifting his body. He has soft hands and a strong arm but will have to make more of an effort behind the plate. "He's had to adjust to a lot of things both on and off the field," Charleston manager Aaron Ledesma said. "At times it's been a struggle for him. He's also struggled a little with some of the high expectations that have been put on him. But overall I'm pleased with his progress, and I believe he has a bright future."
• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #1 prospect in 2010
  After signing for $3 million, Sanchez didn't disappoint in his pro debut. Despite missing three weeks with a wrist injury, he hit .353/.423/.597 and earned a late promotion to the short-season New York-Penn League. As a Latin American catcher in the Yankees system, he draws comparisons with slugger Jesus Montero. Sanchez may have a better chance to stay behind the plate, and some observers think he might be better than Montero was as a 17-year-old in the GCL, though Montero has proven much more with the bat at higher levels. Sanchez is very strong and has above-average power to all fields, and with a good approach for a young player, he projects to hit for average as well. He has a plus arm that consistently generates 1.8-second pop times and has the tools to be a solid receiver, but he's still a work in progress defensively. Sanchez threw out just 19 percent of basestealers and tied for the league lead in passed balls (14) and errors by a catcher (seven) in just 18 games. He needs to stay on top of his conditioning and work on his mobility.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #36 prospect in 2016
• Ranked Baseball America's #35 prospect in 2014
• Ranked Baseball America's #57 prospect in 2013
• Ranked Baseball America's #81 prospect in 2012
• Ranked Baseball America's #30 prospect in 2011

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Signed for $3 million, Sanchez has ranked second, fourth and third on this list before turning 20. He led all minor league catchers with 18 homers in 2012 and earned a spot on Baseball America's minor league all-star first team. Scouting Report: Sanchez has well above-average raw power as well as a fundamentally sound swing, and he improved his two-strike approach late in the season. With plus-plus raw arm strength to go with solid athleticism and receiving skills, Sanchez has the tools to remain a catcher. He's an erratic defender prone to lapses in receiving, but he made progress in 2012 while throwing out 30 percent of basestealers. As his English improves, he'll be able to take charge more behind the plate, and he also needs more experience calling his own pitches. Though he's a below-average runner, he stole 15 bases in 19 attempts in 2012. He also played harder and showed none of the lapses in judgment that prompted a two-week suspension in May 2011. The Future: Sanchez will return to high Class A to start 2013. He may not quite have the offensive upside of former Yankees No. 1 prospect Jesus Montero, but Sanchez does have a better chance to remain a catcher and no one blocking his path to the Bronx.
• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Ranked 14th on this list a year ago, when his offensive upside was obvious but his defense and work ethic were lackluster, Sanchez returned to Charleston for the first three months of this season. He continued to show prodigious power with 32 extra-base hits and 56 RBIs in 68 games. Though he struck out in one-fourth of his at-bats, he does an outstanding job of barreling balls and using the entire field. "Quick swing, fast hands," Febles said. "You see the power he possesses and you say, 'You got to be kidding me.' " Scouts continue to wonder if Sanchez, a well below-average athlete, can be more than a DH at higher levels. While he has a strong arm, as evidenced by him throwing out 31 percent of SAL basestealers, his movements behind the plate leave much to be desired. He had 12 errors and 10 passed balls in 53 games behind the plate, and still seems disinterested at times in working to improve.
• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: Signed for $3 million, Sanchez ranked as the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League's No. 1 prospect in a banner 2010 pro debut, then led low Class A Charleston with 17 homers in 82 games in 2011. He was suspended for two weeks in late May for insubordination and missed the final three weeks of the season with a sprained left thumb. Scouting Report: Sanchez has a purer swing and more patience at the plate than Jesus Montero, to whom he's often compared. Sanchez has similar raw power, too, and scouts project him as a plus hitter in terms of both average and pop. He's willing to go deep into counts looking for a pitch to drive, which can lead to strikeouts. He struggles to handle breaking balls offensively and defensively, and some scouts reported that he stopped calling for them behind the plate. Sanchez led the South Atlantic League with 26 passed balls in just 60 games, and some scouts believe he's a lost cause as a receiver. He does have plus arm strength and threw out 31 percent of basestealers. He's a well below-average runner, like many catchers. The Future: A combination of money, immaturity and hype didn't help Sanchez, but he was one of the SAL's youngest players. He'll probably return to Charleston in 2012. If he doesn't improve defensively, he'll have to hit like Montero to remain a catcher long-term.